The Cuban influencer, Kary Sanchez, recently highlighted the severe neglect of the once-popular El Dorado recreational center located in Boca Ciega, just east of Havana. She shared her experience in a video where she tours the site alongside her husband, Jhony, and fellow content creator known as Mami Primeriza. "This used to be a place for dancing and fun, but like much of Cuba, it's now just another abandoned site," she remarked in one of the most shared segments of her post.
Throughout the video, Sanchez vividly illustrates the decay with images and commentary: cracked walls, columns teetering on collapse, rusted staircases, destroyed bars, and tennis courts overgrown with weeds. She observed that "the entire recreational area is at risk of collapse," and the pool is "filled with trash and stagnant water." On the second floor, where shops once thrived, she noted, "the floors, doors, and glass windows have all been stripped away." She lamented the loss, stating, "It's a shame to see such a place fall into neglect."
"I worked at El Dorado for years"
The complete video of her visit was also uploaded to her YouTube channel under the title "Havana's Most Famous Club is Crumbling! This is How the Abandoned Boca Ciega Looks." Followers of the influencer expressed their sadness, outrage, and nostalgia in the comments. One user shared, "I worked at El Dorado for years, and it's heartbreaking to see it like this." Another wrote, "Legend has it, I had some amazing parties there. It's soul-crushing to see what it has become." Someone else recalled, "The last thing I enjoyed at that pool was a concert by Chacal."
Others joined in the widespread criticism of the decay of public spaces: "The Comodoro disco is in the same state," noted one commenter. "There's no excuse for letting these places die, just apathy and neglect," another added. The sentiment was summed up by a stark phrase: "El Dorado today is rusted."
Boca Ciega: A Ghost Town by the Beach
Kary Sanchez's report joins other accounts highlighting the abandonment of Boca Ciega, a neighborhood adjacent to one of Havana del Este's best-known beaches. In August 2024, the YouTuber Literalmente Cubano described the area as a "ghost town." Earlier, in March 2024, creator Juanka from the channel "Vámonos con Juanka" showcased the deteriorating homes and buildings, calling it "a crime." His report focused on the prolonged and unjustified neglect of the area.
A Consistent and Critical Voice
Kary Sanchez has carved out a clear niche in social critique. In May, she reported on the neglect of La Esquina de Tejas, pointing out that "this well-known Havana spot for commerce, which once housed a cinema, bakery, and cafes, is now completely destroyed." She has also documented the decline of the National Aquarium, Chinatown, and the Sports City.
In another controversial post, she stated, "In Cuba, having coffee for breakfast is more than a luxury," adding that even professionals cannot afford it. Kary’s testimony not only captures the decay of a recreational center but also paints a broader picture of a city crumbling in plain sight of its residents.
Understanding the Decline of Cuban Recreational Spaces
Why is El Dorado in Boca Ciega abandoned?
El Dorado is abandoned due to systemic neglect and lack of maintenance, a reflection of the broader issues affecting public spaces in Cuba under the socialist regime.
What has been the public reaction to the state of El Dorado?
The public has reacted with sadness, indignation, and nostalgia, as many remember El Dorado as a lively hub that played a significant role in their social lives.
How has Kary Sanchez contributed to highlighting these issues?
Kary Sanchez has used her platform to consistently report on and criticize the neglect of public spaces in Cuba, raising awareness and sparking conversations among her audience.